Metronidazole

Metronidazole is an antibiotic used to treat many bacterial infections. These include several STIs, bacterial vaginosis and more severe cases of the skin condition rosacea.

Metronidazole is available as a tablet; however, it also comes in the form of a cream or a gel.

For rosacea, a gel or cream will be prescribed. Treatment for bacterial vaginosis can either be tablets or a gel.

One course of Metronidazole can completely cure bacterial vaginosis and trichomonas vaginalis. The sooner you treat these conditions, the less effect they will have on your overall health and the less chance of severe complications occurring.

When applied directly to the skin, Metronidazole cream is also an effective treatment for more severe cases of rosacea. The cream reduces redness and swelling as well as clear pimples.

It can also function as an effective secondary treatment for:

• helicobacter pylori infection (also known as H. pylori) which causes stomach ulcers
• gum infections
• parasitic diseases, such as amoebiasis

Regardless of the method of application, Metronidazole permeates bacterial cells, interfering with their DNA. This action prevents bacteria from duplicating so that it cannot spread; this helps your body's defences to remove the infection from your system.

As your body fights the infection, symptoms may begin to clear within a couple of days (for rosacea, weeks). However, as with all antibiotic treatments, you should continue treatment for as long as the doctor has prescribed. Otherwise, you risk the infection returning. For bacterial vaginosis, a course generally lasts for 5-7 days. For rosacea, it can be for between 6 weeks and 4 months.

Tablets

The dose and how often you take Metronidazole depends on the severity of the infection and what caused it. It is always important that you complete a course of antibiotics, even if the infection appears to have cleared or you start to feel better.

When taking this medication to treat bacterial vaginosis (BV):

• one tablet should be taken twice daily, over 7 days
• you should preferably take the tablet during or after a meal
• it should be swallowed whole with water, not chewed or broken
• if you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember, and continue as normal
• never take more than one tablet at once

As drinking while using Metronidazole can increase the chance of side effects occurring, you should not consume any alcohol with treatment (and 48 hours afterwards). To ensure the infection has cleared, you should have a check-up 2 weeks after completing your treatment.

Cream and gel

Metronidazole cream is prescribed for the treatment of rosacea. The gel is prescribed for rosacea and, in some circumstances, bacterial vaginosis.

For rosacea, please follow these dosage instructions:

• you should apply a thin layer over the affected area twice a day. The doses should be applied at the same time daily, spaced evenly apart
• you should continue treatment as directed by the doctor, for up to 4 months, until the infection has cleared
• you should also avoid exposure to strong sunlight or UV rays
• if your skin becomes dry or irritated, reduce the number of doses temporarily, until recovered

You should visit your doctor or dermatologist regularly to ensure treatment has the desired effects.

Although side effects are not that common with Metronidazole, all prescription medications pose a risk. Therefore, you must familiarise yourself with possible reactions and take precautions, especially if you are particularly sensitive to any of the ingredients.

Some more common side effects include:

• diarrhoea
• constipation
• nausea
• vomiting or abdominal pain
• unpleasant taste in the mouth
• loss of appetite

Rarer side effects include:

• drowsiness
• headache
• double vision
• joint pain
• jaundice
• skin rash or skin problems

If you find you do suffer any serious side effects, or symptoms become severe or worsen, please speak to your doctor as soon as possible.

For a comprehensive list of side effects, please read through the patient leaflet at the bottom of this page.

When purchasing this treatment, certain individuals should exercise caution. You may not be suited to use Metronidazole if you:

• have liver disease
• have a stomach or intestinal disease
• have a blood cell disorder, such as anaemia or leucopoenia
• have epilepsy or a nerve disorder
• are pregnant, breastfeeding or planning to conceive
• have Crohn’s disease

During the consultation stage of your order, you should mention any current or past conditions; this is so our doctors can identify any risks in prescribing this medication. You should also detail all treatments you are currently taking.

You can safely buy Metronidazole treatments online after completing a consultation. During the consultation, you should provide your complete medical history and personal details. All data is encrypted and will not be shared with any third parties.

When approved, a prescription will be issued to our registered pharmacy. Your order will then be packaged and delivered with free next-day delivery. All medications come complete with the patient leaflet, which must be thoroughly read before use.